Find out how you can exercise your right to freedom of speech while upholding the University’s values – and what to do if someone has expressed an opinion which has made you feel unsafe.
Freedom of expression
Everyone has a right to freedom of expression, within the law, including protest and dissent. It is important that lawful opinion can be expressed and heard safely, and we expect you to follow our principles below when exercising freedom of expression.
“We have challenged convention since the University’s foundation in 1961. From the campus’ modernist architecture on the edge of a rural national park, to our progressive academics and creative professional services staff, to the inspiring students who choose to learn and live here, to the very tone of the institution and the nature of its conversations, through to the expressions of radicalism, critical thinking and, at times, dissent.”
The safety, security, and wellbeing of all members of the University is our highest priority. The University will not tolerate antisemitism, Islamophobia or any form of racism, harassment, or other discrimination.
Our guiding principles
At the University of Sussex, we are committed to providing an inclusive, respectful, and supportive learning and working environment for our diverse and international community. We ensure that diversity of belief and opinion can be expressed and heard safely and legally, and facilitate dialogue between those with differing views. We are committed to advancing knowledge through rigorous, rational, evidenced argument and respectful discussion.
These commitments support our responsibility for academic freedom and freedom of speech within the law, and our determination to make Sussex a place in which everyone is able to flourish.
Find out more about our vision for Inclusive Sussex and see our commitment to freedom of speech.
What is freedom of speech?
- Video transcript
[Professor David Ruebain and student Digital Media Creator, Abby sitting either side of a table in an office on Sussex campus]
Abby: Hi everyone, my name is Abby, and I am one of the Digital Media Creators here at Sussex.
And today I am here with...
David: Hello everyone. Hi Abby. My name is David Ruebain, I'm the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Culture, Equality and Inclusion here at the University of Sussex and I am also the University's Free Speech Officer.
Abby: So I'm here today to have a conversation with David exactly about freedom of speech. And so, let's start!
David: Thank you Abby.
Abby: So I have a few questions for you. And the first one is, can you tell us what the definition of freedom of speech is?
David: Well, thank you, and thanks for the opportunity for doing this.
There are several definitions of free speech but the foundational one, the most important one, if you like is in Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which is now part of the Human Rights Act 1998, and that protects the right of freedom of expression.
And it covers political expression, including peaceful protests and demonstrations; artistic expression; commercial expression; and both popular and unpopular expressions, providing that they are within the law.
It protects the right to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds and as I have indicated, by any means.
And I would also say that not only is it set out in the law but it's set out in the University's own instruments of government as a foundational aspect of who we are and what we do.
Abby: Thank you, that was a really comprehensive definition. And so I wanted to lead on from that.
So when can freedom of speech legally be restricted?
David: There are a number of limitations on free speech, some of them relate to criminal law like prohibitions of hate speech or harassment or incitement to commit crimes or terrorism.
Others are more about protecting the rights of other individuals, such as preventing harassment or defamation. So there are a number of areas where it may be limited.
But unless they are expressly set out in the law, then everyone has a right to freedom of speech.
Abby: Thank you for that. I think it's really useful to know when freedom of speech can legally be restricted as well, especially when it infringes on other people's rights.
And so, on the flip side I wanted to know, when can't freedom of speech be legally restricted?
David: Well, pretty much in every other area, and most importantly, it is not lawful to restrict free speech even if it upsets other people - providing it's lawful speech.
It's not lawful to restrict free speech even if other people strongly disagree or if they feel that the opinions or viewpoints are wrong, or even oppressive, providing again, it's within the law - providing it doesn't cross the legal boundaries that I've mentioned.
Abby: Thank you, that was actually really useful to know, absolutely. And since we are at a university setting, I wanted to place this conversation into that setting and I wanted to ask, what does freedom of speech mean for students and staff at university?
David: It means that each of us, all of us, have a right to say what we want, and to express our views, providing it's within the law, and that includes political views, again, providing it's within the law and not only for staff and students, but also for visitors who come onto campus for whatever reason.
I think more importantly, even than that it's foundational for any university to ensure this range of diverse viewpoints is available.
Universities are at their best when they are engaging with a range of ideas and indeed creating new ideas and discoveries through scholarship, and teaching, and research, and learning.
And the exchange of lawful views is critical for that.
Abby: So, I think what you said was really interesting about how diverse viewpoints are really important in a university setting especially for students who are here to learn, and of course, academics as well.
And that leads on to our next point here which talks about academic freedom. So I wanted to ask you what is academic freedom, and how is this different from freedom of speech?
David: Yes, that's a great question.
Academic freedom is similar to freedom of speech, but is distinct in its own right and it relates to the rights of an academic to have flexibility and freedom in what they teach and how they teach their subject; what ideas they want to talk about in the subjects that they teach; how they discuss the issues that they talk about; how they research; how they publish. To not be subject to institutional censorship and to not suffer professional detriment or disadvantage as a result of teaching ideas or thoughts within their subject specialism which might be unpopular, for example, or might be different from the commonplace view about that idea.
So, it really affords academics particular rights to be able to explore where their thinking and research goes.
Abby: Thank you. And I think that's obviously important in a university setting to ensure that knowledge can grow, and that students can learn more as well.
And that leads on to my next question - why is academic freedom important at university?
David: If you look at the development of ideas, even over the centuries, we have relied on, to a significant extent, people to be able to think, and research, and teach freely so as to enable us to understand differently, and often better, the way things are.
There was a time, not so long ago, where people believed that the Sun revolved around the Earth, for example, or even that the Earth was flat!
And it required people who understood or thought differently to be able to develop those ideas and explore them, and really that's the essence of university life.
So, academic freedom is important precisely so that we can continue to test our knowledge and develop it in the pursuit of truth and understanding.
Abby: I really like that bit of history you gave us there! It's really telling as well how challenging known knowledge is really important for us to keep on developing.
And that leads on to my final question. So, of course, challenging the viewpoints of others can be quite risky, I guess - how do we ensure that we aren't harming others with academic freedom?
David: Yes, I think it's always important to try and engage with each other with a degree of civility and thoughtfulness and even, if possible, to recognise how our words might land on other people.
Now, for some subjects, that may be more important than others, but everybody, whether they are staff, or students, or visitors will have a range of lived experiences they will bring and whilst it's critically important that we protect academic freedom and freedom of speech, and ensure that they are embedded in all of our work, it doesn't mean to say that we have to be harsh.
And indeed, in many ways, creating a culture of collegiality, of engagement, ideas, where we know and understand that its important to allow each other to express different views and opinions is all part of ensuring success in a university.
Abby: Alright, thank you so much for those really great answers David! That's all the questions that I have for you today.
David: Thanks very much. Thank you.
[Screen fades to black]
Our approaches
Treat others with dignity and respect
We embrace diversity of background and belief at Sussex, and dignity and respect are everyone’s right and responsibility. We should demonstrate empathy and kindness towards each other, and support each other to work towards mutual understanding. Read our Dignity and Respect policy.
Be mindful about what you post on social media
Social media is part of social life, and harassment through social media is still harassment. Freedom of speech is important, but there are also legal restrictions, particularly around incitement to hatred, prejudice and proscribed organisations. Public expressions of support for these can be unlawful. There can be serious implications for anyone who publishes posts on social media about other students, or in relation to global conflicts, that cross legal boundaries or violate the University’s regulations. The University will take action where students engage in harassment or threatening behaviour towards other students or members of staff.
Reach out for help
We have excellent help and support services for times when you may be struggling to cope. These procedures will be used, in the first instance, for handling cases of perceived vulnerability, whether this is related to personal issues or matters relating to our Prevent Duty.
How to use your voice
There are many ways that you can bring about change, within our university community, locally and nationally.
- Find out how you can have your say at Sussex
- Reach out to your Student Reps
- Join or start your own campaign
- Get involved in Students Union decision-making
- Register to vote in local elections
- Register to vote in general elections
What to do if you feel unsafe
If our guiding principles are not followed, you, or someone you know, may feel unsafe. Find out about the support we offer.
Contact security
The University is generally a safe place and security patrol the campus 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can contact University security for help if you think that you or someone else is at risk.
Report an incident
If you’ve experienced a hate incident, discrimination, bullying or sexual violence, let us know using the Report and Support tool. If you tell us you’d like to speak with someone, we’ll be in touch.
You can report incidents anonymously. This lets us know about issues in our community, although we can’t usually follow up cases of anonymous reporting.
You can also report incidents to the Students' Union, whose Zero Tolerance policy supports anyone who experiences or witnesses sexual harassment, discrimination or violence.
Hate crimes can also be reported to the police online through True Vision.
If you need support reporting sexual violence, Rape Crisis offer a rape and sexual abuse helpline 24 hours a day on 0808 500 2222.
Homophobic incidents can also be reported to the LGBT Foundation, who run a helpline on 0345 330 3030, and can be emailed at communitysafety@lgbt.foundation.
Antisemitic incidents can also be reported to the Community Security Trust. Jewish students can contact the Union of Jewish Students for support via their welfare hotline on 02074 243288.
Islamophobic incidents can also be reported to Tell MAMA, which offers a free counselling service you can access via counselling@tellmamauk.org.
More support
Find out about other types of support you can take advantage of.
Support on campus
Our Student Centre brings together our student support services, who provide confidential, pre-booked appointments in-person or via Zoom on a range of issues. They also run drop-in sessions, events and other activities throughout the year.
Our Therapeutic and Counselling Services are here to offer mental health and wellbeing support.
Our multi-faith Chaplaincy is a useful resource as well as a welcoming space.
The Students' Union offers a range of support, including Sussex Nightline, a confidential and non-judgmental listening service run by trained student volunteers.
Online support
You can use our online service My Sussex to book an appointment with our friendly advisors for support with any issue that may be affecting you.
Free online mental health support is available through Togetherall, which you can use to explore your feelings in a safe and supportive environment at any time of the day. Register online with your Sussex email address to get started.